Australia’s Most Popular Baby Names 2023

Oh, baby, have we got some positively precious news for you. The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived, Australia’s top 200 baby names for 2023 have just been revealed. Whilst the top boy’s name has been held by the same name for over a decade now, the top girl’s name has been claimed back by an old favourite.

In the ever-evolving tapestry of baby names, 2023 has brought forth a bouquet of delightful choices with unique baby names, gender-neutral baby names, and nature-inspired names, all make an appearance in this year’s McCrindle most popular baby names list for 2023. At the top, we once again have Oliver (1) as well as the return of Charlotte (1).

Gender-neutral names breaking traditional norms

Generation Alpha are the children of Millennial parents which is being reflected in their names as we see a cultural shift towards more gender-neutral names with names like Charlie (9), Riley (44), Jordan (48), Jesse, Casey, Morgan, Jamie and Taylor.

In addition, it is also more common for a name to have an alternative spelling of a name that is traditionally a boy or girl name for the opposite gender, like Oliver (1)/Olivia (4), Eli (15)/Ellie (28), Billy (66)/Billie (39) and Harry (18)/Harriet (64).

Pop culture, a timeless inspiration

Popular culture has always had an influence on baby naming so it’s no surprise that Millennial parents continue to draw inspiration from the content that shaped them. From celebrities names, like Leo (3), Emilia (59), Ariana (93) and Harry (18) to film or TV characters, Xavier (29), Luna (31), Pheobe (83), Connor (93), there’s a name for everyone.

With the ongoing influence of The Royal Family, as well as the beloved series Bridgerton and The Crown, Dearest Readers it seems that regal names for girls continue to reign supreme, with names such as Charlotte (1), Penelope (43), Elizabeth (79), Violet (26) and Eloise (61).

Boys’ names that are also receiving royal treatment include William (4), Edward (53), Harry (18), George (25), Henry (5), Spencer (82) and James (16).

Reflections of a multicultural society

A plethora of the most sought-after names have their origins deeply rooted in diverse ethnic cultures. Out of the combined top 200 names, a remarkable 89 can be traced back to non-English backgrounds such as Kai (28), Ethan (36), Mila (22), Muhammad (59), Zara (38) and Amelia (2).

Short and sweet is the Aussie way

In the realm of boys’ names, the charm of short monikers is most popular. Among the top 100 names, 86 of them gracefully stand tall with just one or two syllables, such as Jack (6), Max (20), Finn (38), and Beau (48).

Within the coveted top 20, there are only three names that surpass the two-syllable mark: William (4), Theodore (7), and Alexander (19). However, true to the true-blue Aussie way, these names are often affectionately shortened to Will, Theo (40), and Alex, adding a touch of familiarity and endearment to their already charming essence.

Top 100 girl names in Australia for 2023

Top 100 boy names in Australia for 2023

Read next …

Want to take sneaky peek back to previous years? Take a look at these:

• Australia’s most popular baby names for 2022
• Australia’s most popular baby names for 2021 
• Australia’s most popular baby names for 2020

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